Southbridge, MA Globe Transmissions

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Tips & Advice

How often does the transmission fluid need to be changed?

Around the 30,000 mile mark is a good time to change your transmission fluid. If your vehicle is driven hard or used to tow or pull trailers, the added strain on the transmission might mean checking and/or changing the fluid more frequently is a good idea, sometimes as often every 15,000 miles. Consult your owner’s manual to find the suggested mileage range for transmission fluid changes. If your transmission is having issues, check the fluid yourself, or get to a professional who can – you may need to top off the fluid or change it--especially if the care has broken down and has a burning smell.

What is the difference between an automatic and manual transmission?

An automatic transmission is one you put in drive and it shifts through the gears automatically. In a manual transmission you push down on a clutch (usually the far left pedal) and shift gears manually. Many manufacturers have completely phased out the manual transmission.

How much does it cost to replace a car transmission?

It can cost anywhere from $2,000-$3,500 (give or take) to replace a transmission; a used/salvagecan cost anywhere from $800-$1500; rebuilt can cost anywhere from $1,000-$6,000. What determines that amount depends on several factors. First, what type of vehicle is it: a small passenger vehicle, a large truck or a Porsche? What kind of rates is your mechanic charging? Do you have warranty coverage or protection? These variables will determine what you’ll be paying. Once you find a good mechanic, discuss your options. Before you go in, do some research to have an idea of what to expect. If you have a car with an expired warranty, you can buy aftermarket warranties for most cars.

How much does it cost to repair a car transmission?

Different problems and the severity of any damage to your transmission will determine the costs. If you are low on fluid and just need a service, you can get out for around $100. More severe problems, like a bad torque converter or broken gear, could mean removal or disassembly of the transmission, which can cost serious money. In some cases, transmission replacement might be a better option than removing, repairing, or replacing. You can find new, used, and rebuilt transmissions for nearly any car, which might be cheaper than a very expensive repair.

What is a slipping transmission?

A slipping transmission is when you put your foot on the gas to accelerate, and there is a noticeable delay or hesitation before the transmission kicks in. This can be due to low transmission fluid or other conditions. Low fluid pressure is a prime culprit in slipping transmissions, but can also be a symptom of other problems, depending on the type of transmission.

What are the signs of transmission problems?

The primary signs of transmission problems include lack of response (transmission slipping), gear grinding, burning smell (the fluid may be too hot and burning), clunking when putting the transmission into gear, rough or difficult shifting, or a dashboard warning light coming on to tell you something is wrong. Most of these are basic common sense--meaning you will clearly notice the warning signs as they are pretty obvious.

What are the primary components of a car transmission?

The primary components of transmissions are planetary gear sets, torque converters, the hydraulic system, and electronics. Also, the transmission is filled with fluid. Manual transmissions have a clutch and all associated parts. The gears are what the driver will notice the most. The drive shaft exits the transmission to the axles or wheels to deliver the power.

What does a car transmission do?

A transmission transfers the engine’s horsepower to the wheels. The engine produces power, which is fed to the transmission, and the power is transmitted to the axles through a series of gears. Larger gears (like first and second) are designed for lower-end torque and power, like accelerating from a stop. Higher gears like fifth (and sixth or seventh on higher-end cars) are smaller and designed for top-end speed--when you no longer need low-end torque. Transmissions can be either manual (you use a clutch and manually shift) or automatic (put it in gear and go).

Can struts be replaced by shocks?

No, struts cannot be replaced by shocks. Though these parts both work to enhance a vehicle's ride quality, they are not interchangeable. Each wheel will have either a shock or strut, but never both. A vehicle might have struts on the front axle and shocks on the rear, so it's possible for a single vehicle to have both.

Do all cars have shocks and struts?

No, not all cars have shocks and struts. Some vehicles are equipped solely with struts, while others have just shocks. Shocks support the car's suspension, while struts are an integral part of a vehicle's suspension assembly. Both these parts work to improve the way a vehicle travels over bumps and rough road surfaces.

From start to finish globe transmission treated me with nothing but respect and honesty. I went in the shop expecting to spend upwards of $1500. When everything was said and done it ended up being $950 and it was done faster than I could have ever expected. Globe transmissions professionalism and honesty is second to none.They are the standard for all shops to mirror. You have made a customer for life. Thank you!! - Andrew

I am truly impressed with Globe Transmissions. Not only did they do a great job repairing my transmission, they have also done repair work on my car. As a woman I was afraid I would be taken advantage of but found Bob to be extremely honest about what needed to be done. He explained everything to me so I could understand it. I called around to different shops before settling on Globe and I am glad I did. He was more affordable than the other shops and provided an outstanding warranty. If you are looking for a place to have repairs or transmissions done I highly recommend Globe Transmissions.Jane P.Southbridge, MA.

I called around to a few places to see if I may need transmission work done and was not given the best service or the most easily understood response. When I called Globe Transmissions I spoke with Bob and he told me to come in and they would take a look and see what was going on. It turned out to be a minor issue and I was able to have it that day. I was not charged to have it looked at and Bob explained the issue to me so I could understand. I wasn't aware that he did full service repair but now that I do, he is the person I am going to.Jim K.Auburn, MA

Did You Know?

Finding An Auto Repair Professional

There are more than 700,000 auto service technicians and mechanics in the U.S. Finding the right one to repair a dent in your car door or fix an engine that won't start can be overwhelming, especially when it's an emergency. Review a few important facts about auto repair professionals and what you can do to get the best possible mechanic working on your vehicle's issues for a fair price.

Looking For Reliability
Unlike home repair services that evaluate a property, meet with homeowners and have time to prepare before their physical work begins, auto repair businesses are often asked to make fixes on the spot. If you come into a garage with a tire issue, the expectation is the mechanic will know how to correct that problem quickly.

That is why reliability is so vital when searching for a trusted auto repair shop. It may take going to several different mechanics before you find one you are truly comfortable with. Pose questions to this professional to find out what approach they will take to repair your car or what alternatives are available. Shopping around also gives you the best opportunity to find the cheapest rate or the fastest service, as some garages may be backed up with other vehicles that need repair first.

A recommended way to locate a trustworthy auto repair professional is to seek out customer reviews. Online sites offer honest opinions from real customers who have used a business. Read through this feedback to learn how a business operates and what you can expect if you were to take your vehicle there. Look for reviews about how quick maintenance was completed and if prices were fair. By learning what other people have said about a garage, you can gain a better idea if it's the right place to go when you have a car problem in need of fixing.

Understanding When There's An Issue

It can be difficult to know which automotive problems are serious enough to require expert assistance. A ripped seat cushion or broken radio don't involve safety and will not warrant enough of a problem that going into a garage is required. However, setbacks with brakes, lights and other parts that are vital to the safety of your car's driver and passengers, as well as others on the road, necessitate quick fixes. Many modern automobiles will notify drivers of an issue, in the form of a signal on the dashboard or a noise within the vehicle.

In the event of an accident, even if your vehicle does not appear to have any damage on the outside, it is generally recommended that you see a trusted auto repair professional. Internal damage may have occurred, or an important part may have been knocked out of place. Fixing these issues before driving much further can prevent further vehicle breakdowns in the future. In the case of a serious accident, a body shop can assess the problems and determine the best course of action for repairs, as well as evaluate how much they will cost.

Beyond that, regular checkups are recommended. Tires must be rotated, fluids needs to be replaced and the engine must be evaluated. After driving 25,000 miles, most auto dealers suggest having the vehicle checked out to ensure everything is running smoothly. Taking the car into the auto repair professional you trust will protect you from further problems down the road.

Doing Your Own Auto Repair

Not every type of auto repair work needs to be done by a certified mechanic. You can fix some of a vehicle's issues just by paying attention to how the automobile is running and having a basic understanding of auto repair. Look over the ways weather may impact your car and what preventative measures you can take to avoid having to take it into the shop. At the same time, be aware of mechanic scams that can impact your experience.

Preventing Trips To The Professional
Some fixes to your car can be done without paying a specialist. Issues like replacing oil and air filters are relatively simple, with instructions provided in the owner's manual on how to make these changes. The same goes for replacing broken windshield wipers or burnt-out headlights. Such issues should be repaired quickly to guarantee safety, but don't require a visit to a garage. By handling these types of tasks on your own, you'll gain a better understanding for how your car operates and save time and money.

Along with understanding how to fix manageable vehicle issues that may arise, taking preventative measures to avoid future problems is a valuable time saver. Many problem-solving best practices are related to the seasons. Your vehicle will be in different conditions in the winter than in the summer, meaning it requires a different type of preparation.

In the spring and summer, you want to be sure your air conditioner and cooling systems work correctly. Given the high temperatures the vehicle will be exposed to, overheating is a common problem. Look over the system by ensuring there is enough coolant available. If it needs to be refilled, it is best to open the hood and add more to the car before it gets too warm out. Also, clean out fan ducts and other ventilation sources necessary for summertime driving.

For winter driving, features such as the defroster, heater and exhaust system are paramount. Look in your owner's manual for specific directions on how features should be checked and repaired. Many newer cars have a cabin air filter that can be replaced when needed, allowing warm air to continue to flow in. Also, check your tires before winter driving, as they need to be at the proper pressure to perform well on snow and ice.

Avoiding Scams
There is a common worry among many people that auto repair professionals take advantage of the general public. Because so many people are unaware of how to fix the problems in their vehicle, they are nervous of being overcharged by mechanics or worried that the improper work is being done.

While the great majority of professionals in the industry are honest, hard-working people, a few bad apples can ruin everything. You should be extra careful when first visiting a mechanic to guarantee that the price you're charged and maintenance the vehicle receives are fair.

Among the common scams pulled are needless repairs, where a garage charges you for work that isn't necessary. Another popular one is attracting customers through a cheap oil change or tire pressure check. Then, when you are in the shop and your car is being repaired, they give you a long list of other corrections they'd like to make, therefore boosting the total cost of your bill.

The best way to combat these types of problems is getting a written estimate before work is done. That way, you can see how much repairs are expected to cost. If the final bill is higher than the estimate projected, ask to specifically see the work. Make sure information is put in writing as well. If a problem remains, you can have proof that work was not done to your satisfaction.

By working closely with an auto repair professional and doing some of the tune-up work on your own, you will be less likely to fall for these scams. At the same time, you'll be able to drive out with a clean and healthy vehicle, thanks to the repairs made by a trained professional.